Rocker switch actuator



Aug. 16, 196@ n. L. www

i ROCKER SWITCH ACTUATOR Filed DEG. 3l., 1964i FIG. 3

INVENTOR.

EBA @LEY @GEERT im United States Patent O 3,267,248 ROCKER SWiTCH ACTUATOR Robert L. Bagley, Placentia, Calif., assigner to North American Aviation, linc. Filed Dec. 31, 1964, Ser. No. 422,601 8 Claims. (Cl. 20d- 172) This invention relates to three position rocker switches. The invention described herein was made in the performance of work under a NASA contract and is subject to the provisions of the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, Public Law 85-568 (72 Stat. 426; 42 U.S.C. 2451) as amended.

In many applications it is convenient to employ a toggle switch having a rocker for switch actuation. The switch is operated by pressing on either end of the rocker so that it pivots and causes switch contact. Many of these are three position switches having two on positions at the extremes and a central off position. When a switch is in one of the extreme positions and it is desired to switch to the central position, the opposite end of the rocker is pressed until the toggle switch is snapped into the central lposition. It is found in the operation of such switches when the operator is under pressure or when rapid operation is required, that in excess of of the operations pass beyond the central position and into the opposite extreme position. This problem is particularly severe when the operators hand is gloved, since this limits the ability of the operator to feel the center position.

It is therefore a broad object of this invention to provide means for positively centering a'switch.

Thus in the practice of this invention according to a preferred embodiment there is provided a rocker switch having pins extending from the edge of the rocker near each end thereof to provide camming surfaces for actuating the rocker. An actuator having a rectangular open frame is fitted around the rocker. This frame has slots at either end thereof for providing clearance for the pins and additionally for providing camming surfaces for the pins for actuating the rocker switch to a central position. A bridge is formed across the center of the rectangular frame which provides an operating surface for pressing the actuator toward the rocker. When the actuator is pressed toward the rocker vthe ends of the slots act against the pins so that the rocker is pivoted into a central position without a possibility of swinging over into the opposite extreme position.

Thus it is a broad object of this invention to provide a positive centering three position rocker switch.

It is another object of this invention to provide an actuator for a rocker switch.

Other objects and many attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a rocker switch and actuator in a central position;

FIG. 2 illustrates the rocker and actuator and switch in one extreme position;

FIG. 3 illustrates the rocker and actuator with the actuator depressed; and

FIG. 4 is an exploded View of the actuator and rocker.

Throughout the figures like reference numerals refer to like iigures.

Ffice In the practice of this invention according to a preferred embodiment `there is provided a three position switch 10 which may conveniently be employed so as to have two on positions at the extremes thereof and a central off position. Such a switch can, for example, be conveniently employed for operating a crane for the raising and lowering thereof, or for many other operations which will be apparent to one skilled in the art. The switch is provided with a rocker 11 pivotally mounted on the switch by a pivot pin 12. The switch and rocker can be of the type illustrated in U.S. Patent 2,941,047 for an Electric Switch" to A. W. Grashoff or can conveniently be a conventional bat handle toggle switch having a rocker assembly pivotally mounted thereover. When one end of the rocker 111 is depressed the switch is in one on position and when the opposite end of the rocker is depressed, the switch is in the opposite on position. When the rocker is pivoted to a central position with neither end depressed the switch is in an off position. For many applications other variations of the three positions may be provided as will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

It is convenient in mounting such a switch .to recess the switch below a panel 13 so that the rocker does not project a great distance above the panel. Mounting brackets 14 having a shoulder =15 are readily provided for mounting the switch at any selected distance behind the panel 13.

On the sides of the rocker in a preferred embodiment there are provided four pins 18 projecting from the side of the rocker and rigidly secured thereto.

A rectangular actuator 20 is provided around the rocker 11. Two sides 21 of the actuator extend along the sides of the rocker and two ends 22 of the actuator extend along the ends of the rocker to form a rectangular frame around the rocker. In the sides 21 of the actuator there are provided four slots 23 in which the pins 18 t. The slots 23 are curved with a radius corresponding substantially to the distance between the pins 18 and are sufficiently large to provide clearance for the pins. One end 24 of the slots 23 serves as a camming surface for depressing one end of the rocker when the frame is depressed. It is preferred that both `the slots and the pins be located near the ends of the rocker so that an appreciable moment is present during operation for positive centering of the rocker as is described hereinafter. It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that slots or other convenient camming surfaces can be provided on the ends 22 of the frame so as to engage with suitable projections on the: ends of the rocker 11.

Across the center of the actuator 20 between the two sides 21 there is provided a bridge 26 which spans the center of the rocker 11. The bridge 26 is raised above the frame an appreciable amount so that clearance is provided between the bridge and rocker when the actuator is depressed. On the side of the bridge facing the rocker there is provided a recess 27 which accommodates one end of a spring 28. The other end of the spring 28 bears on the center of the rocker -11 so that the actuator is biased away from the rocker.

FIG. l illustrates a rocker switch assembly in the central one of the three positions. When the rocker and actuator are in the central position the spring 28 biases the actuator away from the rocker and the pins 18 are at one end of the slot 23 remote from the camming end 24 of the slot. Actuator travel away from the rocker is limited by tabs 29 projecting from the ends of the frame, and

catching against the shoulder l5. It will be apparent that the actuator travel can be limited by other locations of the tabs 29 or by providing projections on the rocker itself, on the switch body, or on the mounting panel. Additionally, the actuator is prevented from coming off of the rocker by interaction between the pins and the ends of the slots.

In FIG. 2 there is illustrated the switch itl wherein one end of the rocker is depressed and the switch is in one of the extreme positions. One of the pairs of pins i8 presses on an end of the corresponding slots to swing the actuator into the position illustrated. When in this position yone end of the actuator is depressed along with the rocker while the other end remains substantially in its initial position since the tab 29 rests on the shoulder 15. One of the pairs of pins n the rocker is depressed and the pair of pins at the other end `of the rocker is elevated toward the panel surface so as to swing along the slot 23. The switch is pivoted into the extreme position by pressing on an operating surface 30. During this operation the actuator merely travels with the rocker and although the spring 28 is somewhat compressed no substantial actuating force is applied to the rocker thereby.

When the switch is in one` of the extreme positions it can be readily switched to the other extreme position by depressing the operating surface on the opposite end of the rocker. In order to swing the switch into the central position the center of the bridge 26 on the actuator is depressed as illustrated in FIG. 3. This causes the camming surface 24 on one pair of the slots 23 to engage with the pair of pins 18 on the end of the rocker elevated toward the panel surface thereby camming the rocker toward the central position. The pins on the other end of the rocker may rise in the other slots 23 but overtravel to the opposite extreme position is prevented by the other camming surface 24. When the actuator is fully depressed against the biasing spring as illustrated in FIG. 3 the two camming surfaces 24 are both in engagement with the pins 18 and the switch is pivotally centered. The travel of the actuator is limited by the switch body so that no tipping of the actuator is introduced at the end of its travel. In this manner inadvertent switching of the switch to the opposite extreme position is avoided. When pressure on the bridge is removed the spring 28 returns the actuator to the position illustrated in FIG. 1.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated in detail it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of this invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A rocker switch comprising:

a rocker mounted for pivotal motion from one extreme stable position through an intermediate stable position to a second extreme stable position, and

rigid means for moving the rocker to said intermediate position comprising rigid means for effecting motion of one end of the rocker to said intermediate position by externally applied force and concomitantly limiting motion of the other end of said rocker beyond said intermediate position.

2. An actuator for a rocker switch comprising:

an open frame of a size to fit over the rocker of a rocker switch;

a bridge across said frame between two sides thereof;

and

cams at each end of said yframe for camming the rocker to a central position.

3. An actuator for a rocker switch comprising:

an open rectangular frame of a size to fit over the rocker of a rocker switch;

a bridge across the center of said frame between a pair of opposite sides thereof; and

means forming slots at each end of the frame, each of of opposite sides thereof, said bridge including aV guide for a spring on the underside thereof; and means forming slots at each end of the pair of opposite sides, said slots being curved for providing clearance for projections from the rocker and also for providing camming surfaces for the projections for actuat-V ing the rocker switch to a central position.

5. A three position rocker switch assembly comprising:

a switch having three stable operating positions;

a rocker on said switch for operating said switch including pivot means for pivotally mounting said rocker relative to said switch, and operating surfaces yfor pressure Contact for pivoting said rocker between two extreme ones of the three positions;

camming means connected to said rocker for positively camming said rocker to the central one ofthe three positions and preventing pivoting of said rocker to one of the extreme positions; and

pressure means between the operating surfaces for operating said camming means in response to external pressure.

6. A three position rocker switch assembly comprising:

a switch having three mutually exclusive operating positions;

a rocker -for operating said switch including pivot means for pivotally mounting said rocker relative to said switch and operating surfaces for pressure Contact for pivoting said rocker between two extreme ones of the three positions;

camming surfaces on said rocker adjacent the ends thereof remote yfrom the pivot means;

an open frame fitted around said rocker;

a bridge on said frame across a central portion of said rocker having an operating surface for pressure contact for moving said bridge toward said rocker; and

cams at each end of said trame for camming on said camming surfaces for pivoting the rocker to a central position between the two extreme positions.

7. A three position rocker switch assembly comprising:

a switch having three mutually exclusive operating positions;

a rocker for operating said switch including pivot means for pivotally mounting said rocker relative to said switch and operating surfaces for pressure contact `for pivoting said rocker between two extreme ones of the three positions;

first camming surfaces on said rocker adjacent the ends thereof remote from the pivot means;

an open rectangular frame fitted around said rocker;

a bridge across the center of said frame between a pair of opposite sides thereof; and

means for forming slots at each end of the frame, each of said slots providing clearance for said first camming surfaces and also providing second camming surfaces for engaging said first camming surfaces for actuating the rocker switch.

8. A three position rocker switch assembly comprising:

a switch having three mutually exclusive operating positions;

a rocker pivotally mounted on said switch for operating said switch, said rocker having operating surfaces for pressure contact for pivoting said rocker between two extreme ones of the three positions, each of the operating surfaces being angulated relative the other of the operating surfaces;

pins extending from the sides of said rocker adjacent the ends thereof;

an open rectangular frame fitted around said rocker;

5 6 means forming arcuate slots in the sides of said frame on said rocker; and

adjacent the ends thereof, each of said slots loosely means for biasing said bridge away -from said rocker. receiving one of said pins and also providing a camming surface at one end of said slot for one of said References Cited by the EXmllel pins, the length of each of the slots being of the 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS same order as the distance between the frame and the switch when said frame is fully biased away from said Switch; ROBERT K SCHAEFER P E a bridge across the center of said frame between op- "mary xammer' posite sides thereof including an operating surface 10 H. O. JONES,Assstant Examiner. lfor pressure contact between the operating surfaces 2,941,047 6/ 1960 Grashoff 200-4 UNITED STATES PATENT GFEICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent Noo 3,267,248 August I6, 1966 Robert L., Bagley pears in the above numbered pat- It is hereby certified that error ap Patent should read as ent requiring correction and that the said Letters corrected below.

Column 3, line 57, strike out "Rigid" (SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER Attesting Officer EDWARD I. BRENNER Commissioner of Patents 

2. AN ACTUATOR FOR A ROCKER SWITCH COMPRISING: AN OPEN FRAME OF A SIZE TO FIT OVER THE ROCKER OF A ROCKER SWITCH; A BRIDGE ACROSS SAID FRAME BETWEEN TWO SIDES THEREOF; AND CAMS AT EACH END OF SAID FRAME FOR CAMMING THE ROCKER TO A CENTRAL POSITION. 